Liz McManus
Question:301 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children the number of permanent consultant posts filled under the winter beds initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7388/01]
Written Answers. - Consultant Appointments.
Funding of £32 million was approved on foot of phase one of the national review of bed capacity to help alleviate service pressures and to maintain services to patients in the acute hospital sector, particularly over the winter period. This funding is being targeted at a number of key service areas, including the recruitment of over 40 additional accident and emergency consultants and consultant anaesthetists. The additional consultants are being recruited on a temporary basis by the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the health boards given the long lead-in time normally associated with the recruitment of permanent consultants.